Display device stand with rotatable storage

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a combined support and rotary storage apparatus for use with a display device, preferably a computer monitor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube extending downward from the top and having an axis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A base plate is coupleable to the first cylindrical tube. As such, the carousel is advantageously rotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate without touching a surface upon which the base plate and/or stand rest. The carousel may further include space dividers or storage compartments, which may be removable, having varying shapes and sizes.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/356,647, filed Feb. 13, 2002, andis a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/759,873, filed Jan. 12, 2001, whichclaims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/175,719, filed Jan. 12, 2000, and Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/231,733, filed Sep. 11, 2000, the full disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to storage devices and moreparticularly to rotatable storage devices having a stand for a displaydevice.

[0003] Rotatable storage devices are known in the prior art. Many ofthese devices are used to store CDs, disks, or the like. For instance,U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,739 to Duboff describes a revolving storage table. Abase member, preferably metal, is provided for support of the device. Athrough bore extends through the center portion of the base. Anelongated pole extends upward from the base, the lower end of the borebeing internally threaded. A nut is threaded onto the pole to secure thepole in a vertical position. A first collar means is then placed overthe pole and slid down to the bottom adjacent the base member. A firsttray means is slid down the pole and contacts the collar means. The trayis removably journaled for rotation on the pole. A second tray includinga central bore is also removably journaled for rotation on the pole adistance above the first tray. A second collar means is disposed on thepole immediately beneath the second tray for supporting the second tray.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,904 to Applegate, Jr. describes a rotarydisplay rack for albums. The rack has a circular, planar turntable. Theturntable has a vertically extending cylinder affixed to a circular hubat the center of the turntable. The cylinder is inserted into the huband can be secured to the hub by a fastener. The cylinder has an opentop and bottom. A closure member or a cap may be inserted into the topopening of the cylinder. The turntable is rotatably attached to arectangular base or support and is coupled to the base by means of acircular ball bearing plate. The ball bearing plate allows the turntableto rotate with respect to the plate.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,471 to Zahn et al. discloses a clip andsupport rack. In one embodiment of the invention, circular clip supportsform storage bins for small items such as paper clips and stamps. Theclip supports are adapted to be mounted in a free standing tierarrangement by a central post. Each hub has a reduced threaded portionon its upper end that threadably receives the lower portion of a postsegment. The upper portion of each post segment is received within thehub of the next higher unit so that the unit can rotate about the postabout a vertical axis in the manner of a carousel or Lazy Susan.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,261 describes a carousel holder for computerdisks. The holder has a circular stationary base plate with an uppersurface having rotary wheels. The carousel includes a carousel wheelthat has an annular track on its bottom surface that is supported forrotation by the base plate wheels. The carousel wheel has a hub whichrotates around a stationary central cylindrical tube. The hollowcylindrical housing has a central circular aperture which is securedcoaxially to the central tube. A sliding door is formed in thecylindrical sidewall of the stationary housing. A radially outwardlyextending rim of the carousel wheel extends beneath the bottom of thecylindrical housing.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,043 to Kohler describes a carousel like unitfor the storage of floppy disks that rotates about a vertical axis. Thestorage assembly rests upon a base and is enclosed by a cover. The covercontains a door, which is hinged at two points and pivots about avertical axle. Within the cover are guide plates for holding disksvertical. A vertical axle and spacers holds the guide plates apart. Thestorage apparatus can be rotated about the vertical axle. The undersurface of the guide plate, adjacent to the base, rests upon a frictionreducing washer.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,779 to Szenay et al. discloses a carousel forstoring and displaying compact disk albums or cases. The carouselcomprises one or more reels rotatably mounted on a turntable base. Thereels include a central core and a pair of parallel spaced apart disks.A CD case fits between the pair of circular disks and is held uprightwith ribs. Two circular disks may be snapped together by fitting thecentral core of the top disk into the central core of the lower disk. Areel may be coupled together with another reel by inserting a portion ofthe core that extends below the bottom surface of the lower disk of oneof the reels into a circular opening found within the upper disk of asecond reel. The reels are vertically aligned with a pair of dimensioneddetents that facilitate the turning of all of the reels at once. Thebase assembly includes a stationary circular tray and a plurality ofwheels riding in the circular tray. At least one reel is placed upon thetray and rides on the wheels.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,264 to DePalma describes a circular stackabledisplay case for floppy disks or compact disks, which consists of amechanism for radially storing the disks and a mechanism for rotatingthe case. The radially storing mechanism includes a bottom circularplatter member having a central aperture and a plurality of spaced apartradial slots for storage on the top surface of the bottom platter. Themechanism also includes a top circular platter member with a centralaperture and a plurality of spaced apart radial slots. The rotatingmechanism includes a spindle member insertable up through the centralaperture of the bottom platter. A cap member is insertable down throughthe central aperture in the top circular platter to engage with thespindle member and to allow for rotation of the radially storingmechanism. The spindle member includes an upright barrel with aninternally threaded bore. The cap member includes an externally threadedboss that threadably engages with the internally threaded bore. Anexternally threaded boss can engage with a central threaded aperture ina circular base member for stabilizing the spindle member or a flathorizontal surface.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,397 to Chow describes a stackable storagerack that receives compact disk cases. The rack includes a turntablewith radially extending grooves for receiving the objects. A bearingassembly rotatably mounts a turntable to a base. The bearing assemblycomprises a disc on the bottom of the turntable and a base beneath thedisc. A spindle extends vertically upwards from the base and rotatablythrough an aperture in the disc. There is a washer mounted on the bottomof the disc and a similar second washer beneath the first washer mountedon the base. The washers allow for smooth rotation of the turntable onthe base.

[0011] Rotatable storage devices are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,637,172, 4,762,237, 5,020,043, 5,244,270, and 6,075,758.

[0012] Though these devices act as rotatable storage devices they failto provide a mechanism that would allow for a display device, such as acomputer monitor, to be supported on the storage device. Additionally,these devices are quite complex and require numerous components forassembly.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,783 to Chimner describes a rotatable diskstorage assembly within a housing upon which a monitor may rest. Thestorage assembly has a base, an enclosed cover with a front accessopening, and a rotatable wheel with dividers to provide storagecompartments for diskettes. The storage compartments are accessible uponrotation of the wheel. The rotatable wheel is supported on a bearingassembly including grooves formed on the upper surface of the base andthe lower surface of the wheel to facilitate rotation. The assembly alsoincludes ball bearings supported in a bearing race held in between thebase and the rotatable wheel. The base, the rotatable wheel, and thecover include a magnetic shield for protecting disks when the enclosureis supported between a central processing unit and a monitor.

[0014] The Chimner apparatus is big, bulky and not easily transported.This apparatus also requires many components, including ball bearingsand a bearing race, and therefore is not easily manufactured orassembled. Furthermore, this apparatus fails to provide storage for awide variety of items.

[0015] The full disclosures of each of the above references areincorporated herein by reference.

[0016] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a rotatable storageapparatus having a stand for securely supporting a display device, suchas a computer monitor. It would be further desirable to provide arotatable storage apparatus and stand that provide storage for a widevariety of items. It would still be further desirable to provide arotatable storage apparatus and computer monitor stand that can beeasily manufactured and assembled and allows for use of space around acomputer monitor that is normally difficult to access for use. At leastsome of these objectives will be met by the inventions describedhereinafter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides a rotatable storage apparatushaving a stand for securely supporting a display device, preferably acomputer monitor. The present invention further provides a rotatablestorage apparatus and stand that provide storage for a wide variety ofitems. Still further, the rotatable storage apparatus and computermonitor stand of the present invention can be easily manufactured andassembled and allow for use of space around a computer monitor that isnormally difficult to access for use.

[0018] In a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatusincludes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube extendingdownward from the top. The apparatus further includes a carousel beneaththe stand top. The carousel has a base and an opening within the base. Asecond cylindrical tube extends upward from the base. The first andsecond cylindrical tubes have a coaxial relationship relative to oneanother. The carousel, including the second cylindrical tube, iselevated. A base plate elevates the carousel and clips secure thecarousel to the stand. The elevated carousel advantageously rotatesabout the first cylindrical tube of the stand and on the base platewithout touching a surface upon which the stand and/or base plate rest.Therefore, scratching of the table surface is prevented.

[0019] A major challenge exists in designing devices which are able tosupport the weight of a computer monitor, or like objects, yet that areeasy to assemble and manufacture. In the present invention, a computermonitor, or the like, rests on top of the stand of the apparatus. Inthis embodiment, the first cylindrical tube of the stand rests upon thesurface beneath the carousel, providing support. The first cylindricaltube supports most of the weight of the computer monitor. Ribs may beincorporated into the stand top to strengthen the surface that thecomputer monitor sits upon and to provide some additional support. Theapparatus shape is desirable, in that it does not require much materialto manufacture, yet it is sturdy.

[0020] Additionally, a peripheral skirt, extending downward from the topof the apparatus may be included in some embodiments. The skirt supportssome of the monitor weight as well as primarily prevents the stand fromtipping side to side. As the peripheral skirt supports significantlyless weight than the first cylindrical tube, it need not surround theentire stand. Therefore, little material is required to manufacture theskirt. Spaces within the skirt provide a user with easy access to thestorage carousel.

[0021] The carousel may be divided into storage compartments havingvarying shapes. A curved or radiused lip, found around an edge of thecarousel, may be used to form a wall of one or more compartments.Compartments may be used to store a user's items, such as keys, CDs,pens, cell phones, glasses, PDAs, MP3 players, paperclips, or officesupplies, thus utilizing the space around a monitor that often timesgoes unused.

[0022] In a second aspect of the present invention, a combined supportand rotary storage apparatus for use with a display device may comprisea stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having an axis. Theapparatus further includes a carousel having a base and a secondcylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The second cylindricaltube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A base plate iscoupleable to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel isrotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate.As such, the carousel rotates without touching a surface upon which thebase plate and/or stand rest which in turn minimizes scratching of thesurface. The display device preferably comprises a computer monitor or aflat panel display.

[0023] In one embodiment, the base plate has an opening. The base plateis capable of maintaining an elevated position of the second cylindricaltube relative to the first cylindrical tube. Moreover, the firstcylindrical tube fits in the base plate opening and terminates in thesame horizontal plane as the base plate to provide display devicesupport. The base plate (with or without an opening) further comprises aplurality of clips to from a ring lock with the first cylindrical tube.Alternatively, the base plate and the first cylindrical tube may eachhave at least one aligned opening for receiving a fastener that locksthe base plate with the first cylindrical tube. Soft pads may beadditionally attached to an underside of the base plate to furtherminimize any scratching of the desktop surface and/or prevent the baseplate from spinning when the carousel is rotated.

[0024] The base plate, in some embodiments, is substantially the samesize as the top, i.e., the base plate can a be a little larger orsmaller than the top. The base plate may also have a central protrusionto provide further elevation of the carousel. The base plate, top, andcarousel are preferably circular for ease of manufacturability andfunctionality purposes. It will be appreciated however that theapparatus of the present invention may have a non-circular shape aswell. The top and the base plate may also have substantially the samediameter. Preferably, the top and the first cylindrical tube has ribs tofurther reinforce the display device stand strength. The top may also beformed from translucent materials so that a user may easily view andidentify stored items within the carousel.

[0025] In some instances, a proximal portion of the first cylindricaltube is rotatably mountable to a distal portion of the first cylindricaltube which is coupleable to the base plate. As such, the top andproximal portion of the first cylindrical tube is independentlyrotatable of the carousel, distal portion of the of the firstcylindrical tube, and the base plate. Rotation of the top standadvantageously allows a user to easily access a rear side of the displaydevice supported by the stand. As such, a user may be able to easilyaccess cables and plugs that reside at the rear side of the displaydevice.

[0026] The apparatus may further comprise at least one spacer coupleablebetween the first cylindrical tube and the base plate to allow forergonomic height adjustment of the stand and display device. Theapparatus top may also include a peripheral support skirt extendingdownward from the top, wherein the skirt and the base plate terminate inthe same horizontal plane. As noted above, the skirt comprises threesupport legs which prevent the stand from tilting.

[0027] The carousel is circular and a has a diameter in the range fromabout 13 inches to about 18.25 inches. It will be appreciated that thetop, in some embodiments, particularly those without a peripheralsupport skirt, may be smaller than the carousel diameter so as toprovide easier viewing, identification, and access to items storedwithin the carousel. The carousel includes compartments, which may beseparate removable structures or integrated as one unit within thecarousel. Independently removable structures allow for increased utilityas a user may place such a compartment within the carousel for storageor alternatively arrange such a storage compartment on a desktop foractual use. Alternatively, the carousel may include removable spacedividers to allow a user to divide the carousel storage space accordingto his/her needs. Hence, the present invention provides a wide varietyof storage compartments (integrated or separate compartments orremovable space dividers) to allow for optimization of storage capacityand storage of a wide variety of items. A diameter of the firstcylindrical tube is in the range from about 1 inch to about 3 inches. Adiameter of the second cylindrical tube is slightly wider than adiameter of the first cylindrical tube. A thickness of the firstcylindrical tube and the second cylindrical tube is about 3 mm.

[0028] In a third aspect of the present invention, the apparatusincludes a stand having a top with a first cylindrical tube extendingdownward from the top and a peripheral support skirt extending downwardfrom the top. The skirt and the first cylindrical tube terminate in thesame horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a carousel havinga base and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. Thefirst cylindrical tube is coaxial with the second cylindrical tube andthe support skirt rests radially outside of the base. A ring lockmaintains an elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relativeto the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel rotates about thefirst cylindrical tube. The apparatus is preferably formed from plasticmaterials. The base may have a lip around its circumference or thecarousel may include a curved or radiused lip around an edge of thecarousel. The carousel includes a compartment, wherein the curved lipforms a wall for the compartment. Such radiused compartment walls allowa user to easily and smoothly slide objects out of a storage compartmentas well as allows for easy cleaning of the carousel at the edges. Thering lock may include an opening, wherein the first and secondcylindrical tubes align with the opening and the first cylindrical tubefits within the opening.

[0029] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatusincludes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having anaxis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base and asecond cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The secondcylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A ringlock maintains an elevated position of the second cylindrical tuberelative to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel rotatesabout the first cylindrical tube. In such an embodiment, the ring lockis substantially the same size as the top.

[0030] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the apparatusincludes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having anaxis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base, a secondcylindrical tube extending upward from the base, and removable spacedividers or compartments. The second cylindrical tube coaxiallysurrounds the first cylindrical tube. A base plate is coupleable to thefirst cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel is rotatable about thefirst cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate. The first cylindricaltube and top preferably have ribs. Additionally, at least one spacer maybe coupleable between the first cylindrical tube and the base plate toadjust the computer monitor height.

[0031] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent by reference to the remainingportions of the specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the supportand rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the support and rotary storageapparatus of FIG. 1.

[0034]FIG. 3A is a first top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 3B is a second top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional side view of the apparatus ofFIG. 4.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a top view of a stand of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0039]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the supportand rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the supportand rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 9A is a first top view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0042]FIG. 9B is a second top view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0043]FIG. 10A is a first side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0044]FIG. 10B is a second side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0045]FIG. 11 is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8without carousel space dividers.

[0046]FIG. 12 is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8with carousel space dividers.

[0047]FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional side view of the apparatus ofFIG. 8.

[0048]FIG. 14A is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8with a stand spacer for adjusting a stand height.

[0049]FIG. 14B is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8with two stand spacers.

[0050]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the supportand rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The apparatus of the present invention provides a secure supportfor a display device, preferably a computer monitor or flat paneldisplay, and maximal use of space beneath a monitor and/or in between amonitor and keyboard that often times goes unused. Additionally, theapparatus of the present invention allows for organized storage of andeasy access to many items needed for office or home use. Still further,the apparatus of the present invention can be easily manufactured andassembled.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first embodiment ofthe support and rotary storage apparatus 10 of the present invention isshown. The apparatus 10 includes a stand 14, which is preferablyimmobile but in certain instances may be rotatable as described belowwith respect to FIGS. 9B and 10B, and a rotating carousel 16. The stand14 has a thickness of approximately 3 mm. Both the stand 14 and thecarousel 16 may be manufactured using inexpensive injection moldedplastics, such as polycarbonate. Other materials that may be used tomanufacture the apparatus comprise, but are not limited to,thermoplastics, metals, wood, glass, rubber, polymers, and ceramics.Furthermore, the parts of the apparatus have been designed for “simpledraw” tooling. Therefore, expensive side pulls or lifters in the toolsare not required. The plastic material may be translucent allowing theuser to see through the stand to view contents stored withincompartments 32 of the carousel 16. The following depictions are forillustration purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actualshape, size, or dimensions of the support and rotary storage apparatus10.

[0053] A computer monitor 12, with keyboard 13 and mouse 15, is shown inassociation with the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 supports thecomputer monitor 12, or the like. For example, the apparatus 10 maysupport various items such as, but not limited to, a flat panel display,printer, a television, laptop computer, a personal digital assistant,and like display devices. The apparatus 10 has a height of approximately2 to 4 inches. This stand height allows the computer monitor 12 to sitat a height that is ergonomically desirable for viewing by the user.This stand height may be adjustable as described in more detail below.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that the stand 14 of theapparatus 10 includes a top surface 18 having a first central opening24. A first cylindrical tube 22, supporting a large percentage of theweight of the computer monitor 12, extends downward from the opening 24.Tube 22 has, for example, a diameter in a range from 1 inch to about 3inches and a thickness of approximately 3 mm. A peripheral skirt 20extends downward from the top surface 18. The skirt 20 supportsprimarily prevents the stand 14 from tipping side to side. As theperipheral skirt 20 supports significantly less weight than the firstcylindrical tube 22, it need not surround the entire stand. Therefore,little material is required to manufacture it. Spaces within the skirt20 provide a user with easy access to the storage carousel 16.Preferably, the skirt 20 forms three support legs as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. The top surface 18 is pictured to be circular in shape, howeverother shapes, such as oblong, square, etc., may be used.

[0055] The carousel 16 of the apparatus 10 includes abase 29, a secondcentral opening 25, and a second cylindrical tube 28 extending downwardfrom the opening 25 and upward from the base 29 having an opening 31.Tube 28 typically has a diameter slightly larger or wider than the firsttube 22 and a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The base 29 is picturedto be circular in shape, however other shapes, such as oblong, square,etc., may be used.

[0056] The carousel 16 includes compartments 32 that may be used tostore various items such as, but not limited to, keys, CDs, pens, cellphones, glasses, PDAs, MP3 players, paper clips, scissors, businesscards, clips, adhesive tape, push pins, letter openers, or officesupplies. A lip 30 found along an outer edge of the carousel 16 acts asa compartment wall. It has a height of, for example, of approximately 1inch, allowing users to easily slide objects out of the storagecompartments 32. Other compartment walls 34 are present in variousshapes and sizes. Compartments are connected to other compartments byconnector walls 35. Connector walls 35 together form a housing 39 withinwhich the second cylindrical tube 28 is located.

[0057] The apparatus further includes a base plate 36 upon which thecarousel 16 rotates. In this embodiment, the base plate 36 has clips 38.Together clips 38 and base plate 36 comprise a ring lock 37. The clips38 assist in securing the first cylindrical tube 22 of the stand 14 tothe carousel 16. The clips 28 however are not necessary. The cylindricaltube 22 includes indentations or slots 40 that match up with the clips38 of the ring lock. The clips 38 are attached to the indentations 40 sothat the apparatus 10 can be lifted and carried as one unit. The simple3-piece apparatus 10, having stand 14, carousel 16, and base plate 36,allows for quick and easy assembly.

[0058] J When assembled, as pictured in FIG. 1, the skirt 20 of thestand 14 rests outside of the carousel 16. The first cylindrical tube 22of the stand 14 also has a coaxial relationship with the secondcylindrical tube 28 of the carousel 16 when assembled.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the apparatus 10 is seenin a pre-rotation position and a post-rotation position, respectively.An alignment line Y is shown to indicate movement of the carousel 16.Dotted lines Z indicate the position of some of the carousel wallsbeneath the surface of the stand 14. In FIG. 3A, the carousel walls Zare substantially perpendicular to the alignment line Y. In FIG. 3B, thecarousel 16 has been rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated bythe arrow C and it is seen that the carousel walls are no longerperpendicular to line Y. When comparing FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B it is seenthat the stand 14, and the base plate 36, including clips 38, remainstationary, as they are in the same position with respect to line Y,while the carousel 16 rotates.

[0060] With reference to FIG. 4, it is seen that the first cylindricaltube 22 and the peripheral skirt 20 of the stand 14 terminate in thesame horizontal plane. Cylindrical tube 22 fits within cylindrical tube28 and an opening 60 (FIG. 2) of the base plate 36, which is optional.Cylindrical tube 22 and skirt 20 terminate in the same plane as the baseplate 36.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 5, there is seen a partial cross sectionalview of the apparatus 10 taken along the lines 5-5 delineated in FIG. 4.The carousel 16 is elevated in relation to the stand 14, by base plate36, which comprises for example ring lock 37 having clips 38. The baseplate 36 elevates the carousel 16 above a table or desk surface 100.This prevents marring or scratching of the table surface as the carousel16 rotates on the base plate 36, not the table surface 100. The baseplate 36 provides a low friction bearing surface for the carousel 16 torotate on and eliminates the need for extra parts such as wheels forproviding low friction rotatability. The carousel 16 rotates about thefirst cylindrical tube 22 and beneath the top 18 while the stand 14 andthe base plate 36 remain stationary. The surface of contact of the baseplate 36 and the carousel tube 22 is close to the axis of rotation andtherefore generates smooth and predictable friction.

[0062] Tight tolerances of the dimensions of the cylinders 22 and 28enable minimal tilt to no tilt of the carousel 16 relative to the tablesurface 100. The first cylindrical tube 22 having a vertical axis A, andfound for example within the second cylindrical tube 28, acts as an axleabout which the second cylindrical tube 28 rotates. The coaxialrelationship keeps the carousel 16 centered beneath the stand 14 andalso provides a bearing surface for the carousel 16 to spin.

[0063] In FIG. 6, support ribs 50 located on an undersurface of thestand 14 are seen. Translucent plastic used in this embodiment allowsthe ribs 50 to be seen from the top view. The ribs 50 flow in multipledirections and serve to strengthen the peripheral skirt 20, the topsurface 18 on which the monitor 12 sits, and the first cylindrical tube22 which acts as the central support column for the weight of thecomputer monitor 12. The ribs 50 are, for example, approximately 2 mmthick.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a second embodiment ofthe support and rotary storage apparatus 90 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present is illustrated. In this embodiment, astand 72 comprises a top surface 74 and a cylindrical tube 78 having avertical axis B. The carousel 16 remains as described previously. Baseplate 80 is wider than plate 36. Plate 80 has substantially the samediameter of the carousel base 29 and top 74. The base plate 80 providesa low friction bearing surface upon which the carousel 16 rotates. Italso assists in supporting some of the weight of the monitor 12. In oneexample, this embodiment includes clips 94 or other fastening mechanismsfor securing the stand 72 to the carousel 16.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a third embodimentof the support and rotary storage apparatus 100 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated.The apparatus 100 may comprise a stand 102 having a top 104 and a firstcylindrical tube 106 having an axis. The apparatus 100 further includesa carousel 108 having a base 110 and a second cylindrical tube 112extending upward from the base 110. The second cylindrical tube 112coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube 106. A base plate 114 iscoupleable to the first cylindrical tube 106, wherein the carousel 108is rotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate114. The stand 102, carousel 108, and base plate 114 may be manufacturedusing inexpensive injection molded plastics, such as polycarbonate, orstamped metals. Other materials that may be used to manufacture theapparatus comprise, but are not limited to, thermoplastics, metals,wood, glass, rubber, polymers, and ceramics. The top 104 may also beformed from translucent materials so that a user may easily view andidentify stored items within the carousel 108.

[0066] The base plate 114 elevates the carousel 108 above a table ordesk surface (not shown). This prevents marring or scratching of thetable surface as the carousel 108 rotates on the base plate 114, not thetable surface. The base plate 114 provides a low friction bearingsurface for the carousel 108 to rotate on and eliminates the need forextra parts such as wheels for providing low friction rotatability. Thecarousel 108 rotates about the tube 106 and beneath the top 104 whilethe base plate 114 remains stationary. The surface of contact of thebase plate 114 and the carousel tube 106 is close to the axis ofrotation and therefore generates smooth and predictable friction.

[0067] The base plate 114 is substantially the same size as the top 104,i.e., the base plate in this case being slightly smaller than the top.The base plate 114 may also have a central protrusion 116 to providefurther elevation of the carousel 108. The base plate 114, stand 102,and carousel 108 are preferably circular for ease of manufacturabilityand functionality purposes. It will be appreciated however than theapparatus of the present invention may have a non-circular shape aswell. The top 104 and the base plate 114 may also have substantially thesame diameter. This simple 3-piece apparatus 100, having a stand 102,carousel 108, and base plate 114 also allows for quick and easyassembly.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 10A, the carousel 108 is circularand a has a diameter in the range from about 13 inches to about 18.25inches, preferably about 13 inches. It will be appreciated that such acompact carousel further complements space saving monitors, such as flatpanel displays, takes up less desk space as well as retail space, and isless costly to tool and produce. It will be appreciated that the top104, in this embodiment, may be smaller than the carousel 108 diameterso as to provide easier viewing, identification, and access to itemsstored within the carousel 108. The carousel 108 includes space dividers118 which may be separate removable structures, as illustrated, orintegrated as one unit within the carousel 108. Typically, the spacedividers 118 may be secured into the carousel 108 by snaps 120 or likefasteners. Independently removable structures allow for increasedutility as a user may place such a divider 118 within the carousel 108to divide the carousel storage space according to his/her needs. Hence,the present invention provides a wide variety of storage compartments122 to allow for optimization of storage capacity and storage of a widevariety of items, such as, keys, CDs, pens, cell phones, glasses, PDAs,MP3 players, paper clips, scissors, business cards, clips, adhesivetape, push pins, letter openers, or office supplies.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 9B and 10B, in some instances, a proximalportion 124 of the first cylindrical tube 106 is rotatably mountable toa distal portion 126 of the first cylindrical tube 106 which iscoupleable to the base plate 114. As such, the top 104 and proximalportion 124 of the first cylindrical tube 106 is independently rotatableof the carousel 108, distal portion of the of the first cylindrical tube126, and the base plate 114, as depicted by arrow D. Rotation of the topstand 104 advantageously allows a user to easily access a rear side ofthe display device supported by the stand 102. As such, a user may beable to easily access cables and plugs that reside at the rear side ofthe display device. Arrow E denotes rotation of the carousel 108independent of the of the base 114 and stand 102.

[0070] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the stand underside 102 andthe first cylindrical tube 106 has ribs 128 to further reinforce the topsurface 104 on which the monitor sits and the first cylindrical tube 106which acts as the central support column for the weight of the computermonitor. The ribs 50 are, for example, approximately 2 mm thick. It willfurther be appreciated that the base plate 114 also assists insupporting some of the weight of the monitor. Soft pads 130 may beadditionally attached to an underside of the base plate 114 to furtherminimize any scratching of the desktop surface and/or prevent the baseplate 114 from spinning when the carousel 108 is rotated.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 13, in this embodiment the base plate 114and the first cylindrical tube 106 each have at least one alignedopening for receiving a fastener, in this instance screws 132, that lockthe base plate 114 with the first cylindrical tube 106. Screwattachments 132 are provided so that the apparatus 100 can be lifted andcarried as one unit. Reference numerals 134 and 136 illustrate the lowfriction areas where the carousel tube 112 slides against the base 114and first cylindrical tube 106. Low friction area 134 is where theweight of the carousel 108 is supported on the base 114. Since this areais close to the axis of rotation, friction is minimized. Low frictionarea 136 is where the carousel rotates about the first cylindrical tube106. The surface area of this interface is minimized, thus reducingfriction and providing for a smooth rotation. Tight tolerances of thedimensions of the cylinders 106 and 112 enable minimal tilt to no tiltof the carousel 108 relative to a table surface. The first cylindricaltube 106 found within the second cylindrical tube 112 acts as an axleabout which the second cylindrical tube 112 rotates. The coaxialrelationship keeps the carousel 108 centered beneath the stand 102 andalso provides a bearing surface for the carousel 108 to spin.

[0072] With reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the apparatus 100 mayfurther comprise at least one spacer 138 coupleable between the firstcylindrical tube 106 and the base plate 114 to allow for ergonomicheight adjustment of the stand 102 and display device. The apparatus 100has a height of approximately 2 to 4 inches. This stand height may beadjustable with height spacers 138 to an ergonomically desirable displaystand height for viewing by the user.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 15, an exploded view of a fourth embodiment ofthe support and rotary storage apparatus 200 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present is illustrated. In this embodiment,the stand 102 and base 114 remains as described previously. The carousel202 in this embodiment includes independently removable storagecompartments 204. Independently removable compartments 204 allow forincreased utility as a user may place such a compartment 204 within thecarousel 202 for storage or alternatively arrange such a storagecompartment 204 on a desktop for actual use. The removable storagecompartments 204 and the carousel 202 may additionally havecomplementary locating features 206, such as extrusions, so that thecompartments 206 may be safely secured within the carousel 206 and willnot slide during rotation of the carousel 206.

[0074] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described insome detail, for clarity of understanding and by way of example, it willbe apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the artthat variations, modifications, changes, and adaptations of suchembodiments may be made without departing from the true spirit and scopeof the invention. For example, the apparatus shape may be non-circular.Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting thescope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combined support and rotary storage apparatusfor use with a display device, the apparatus comprising: a stand havinga top and a first cylindrical tube having an axis; a carousel having abase and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base,wherein the second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the firstcylindrical tube; and a base plate coupleable to the first cylindricaltube, wherein the carousel is rotatable about the first cylindrical tubeaxis and on the base plate.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedisplay device comprises a computer monitor.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the display device comprises a flat panel display.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the base plate has an opening.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the base plate is capable of maintainingan elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relative to thefirst cylindrical tube.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the firstcylindrical tube fits in the base plate opening and terminates in thesame horizontal plane as the base plate.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the base plate further comprises a plurality of clips to from aring lock with the first cylindrical tube.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the base plate and the first cylindrical tube each have at leastone aligned opening for receiving a fastener that locks the base platewith the first cylindrical tube.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising soft pads attached to an underside of the base plate.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the base plate is substantially the samesize as the top.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base platehas a central protrusion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baseplate is circular.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top and thebase plate are circular and have substantially the same diameter. 14.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top is circular.
 15. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the top has ribs.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the top is translucent.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first cylindrical tube has ribs.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a proximal portion of the first cylindrical tube is rotatablymountable to a distal portion of the first cylindrical tube which iscoupleable to the base plate.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein thetop and proximal portion of the first cylindrical tube is independentlyrotatable of the carousel, distal portion of the of the firstcylindrical tube, and the base plate.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the top includes a peripheral support skirt extending downwardfrom the top, wherein the skirt and the base plate terminate in the samehorizontal plane.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the skirtcomprises three support legs.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one spacer coupleable between the first cylindricaltube and the base plate.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecarousel is circular and a has a diameter in the range from about 13inches to about 18.25 inches.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecarousel includes compartments.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe compartments are removable.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe carousel includes removable space dividers.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a diameter of the first cylindrical tube is in therange from about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
 28. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a diameter of the second cylindrical tube is slightly wider thana diameter of the first cylindrical tube.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the first cylindrical tube and the secondcylindrical tube is about 3 mm.
 30. A combined support and rotarystorage apparatus for use with a computer monitor, the apparatuscomprising: a stand having a top with a first cylindrical tube extendingdownward from the top and a peripheral support skirt extending downwardfrom the top, wherein the skirt and the first cylindrical tube terminatein the same horizontal plane; a carousel having a base and a secondcylindrical tube extending upward from the base, wherein the firstcylindrical tube is coaxial with the second cylindrical tube and thesupport skirt rests radially outside of the base; and a ring lockmaintaining an elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relativeto the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel rotates about thefirst cylindrical tube.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein theapparatus is plastic.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the basehas a lip around its circumference.
 33. The apparatus of claim 30,wherein the ring lock includes an opening and the first and secondcylindrical tubes align with the opening and the first cylindrical tubefits within the opening.
 34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein thecarousel includes a curved lip around an edge of the carousel.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein the carousel includes a compartment. 36.The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the curved lip forms a wall for thecompartment.
 37. A combined support and rotary storage apparatus for usewith a computer monitor, the apparatus comprising: a stand having a topand a first cylindrical tube having an axis; a carousel having a baseand a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base, whereinthe second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindricaltube; and a ring lock maintaining an elevated position of the secondcylindrical tube relative to the first cylindrical tube, wherein thecarousel rotates about the first cylindrical tube.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein the ring lock is substantially the same size as thetop.
 39. A combined support and rotary storage apparatus for use with acomputer monitor, the apparatus comprising: a stand having a top and afirst cylindrical tube having an axis; a carousel having a base, asecond cylindrical tube extending upward from the base, and removablespace dividers or compartments, wherein the second cylindrical tubecoaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube; and a base platecoupleable to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel isrotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate.40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the first cylindrical tube hasribs.
 41. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising at least onespacer coupleable between the first cylindrical tube and the base plate.